The SPF (Sun
Protection Factor) number on the bottle or tube of sunscreen is telling
you how long you can stay in the sun without your
skin reddening,
comparing when you don't apply them.

For example,
let's assume that you usually get the skin reddening after 10 minutes of
sun exposure. If you apply the SPF 15 sunscreen, that will provide you protection
from the sun for 150 minute (2 1/2 hours) as long without skin reddening.
The skin reddening reaction are very various upon the individual. So, you
need to know your reddening reaction time to make sure that how often you
need to apply the sunscreen.

The SPF (Sun
Protection Factor) number on the bottle or tube of sunscreen is telling
you how long you can stay in the sun without your
skin reddening,
comparing when you don't apply them.

For example,
let's assume that you usually get the skin reddening after 10 minutes of
sun exposure. If you apply the SPF 15 sunscreen, that will provide you protection
from the sun for 150 minute (2 1/2 hours) as long without skin reddening.
The skin reddening reaction are very various upon the individual. So, you
need to know your reddening reaction time to make sure that how often you
need to apply the sunscreen.

Sunscreen
can effectively protect your skin from UV rays, when you cannot wear
clothing for your protection; for example, swimming at the beach or
pool.

For
more information about SPF, move your cursor over the SPF image above.

Sunscreen
is usually a cream or lotion that is
rated. Sunscreen reacts with chemicals in your skin to offer you protection
by absorbing the UV rays. Since this chemical reaction takes time to
occur, you should apply sunscreens 30 minutes
before your outside activities.

Sunblock
is usually an opaque cream or paste. It provides a physical shield from
the sun. Sunblock protects you by reflecting the UV rays before they
penetrate your skin.

Tips,
Tips, Tips!

Reapply
sunscreen every 1-1/2 to 2 hour.

The
SPF of a sunscreen can be decreased by humidity, wind, temperature,
application thickness, sweat and water activities.
So, reapply sunscreen often under these conditions.

Sunscreen
can cause eye and skin irritation
and may be oily or greasy. It is not recommended for babies
less than 6 months old.

What
you should get!

Many
dermatologists suggest
for general use. However, sunscreens come in lots
of varieties. So, when choosing a product, first consider how much
protection you need. If you have fair skin and light-colored eyes
or a family history of melanoma, you might need a higher SPF than
someone with olive skin or dark eyes. Some illnesses and medicine
may increase sun sensitivity and warrant a high-numbered SPF. Some
allergies could limit a sunscreen's effectiveness. You need to ask
a doctor if you have these conditions.

How
much you need to apply (Minimum
amount for teens):

Face and neck (1/2 tsp)

Arms
and shoulders (1/2 tsp. to each side)

Torso
(1/2 tsp. to front and back)

Legs
and tops of feet (1 tsp. to each side)

Thickness
of application is important. If not enough is applied to the skin,
SPF effectiveness could drop.